Budget cuts, lay-offs and a bad economy are preying on our education system. Public schools are under the knife as school districts try to save money any way they can.
In New York, 54 schools are either slated to be closed or restructured under Mayor Bloomberg’s plan. 90 schools have already closed since 2002. Most of the closures are in poor working-class areas, serving Black and Latino students.
Teachers, students and parents are angered by the massive restructuring. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) said, their union members are being targeted and have been working without a contract since October 2009.
This trend is not limited to New York City. Large Cities across America are discussing school closures in an effort to save money. Minneapolis has scheduled 15 schools for closure, while Detroit has put 44 schools on the chopping block.
Other major cities include Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 14, and in Kansas City 29 schools will get the axe. Some have accused the White House of spearheading the restructuring of these school districts and it is said, federal funds will be available for those states willing to participate in educational reform.
It is no secret that President Obama wants to reform the educational system in America, but we have seen no proof that Washington is playing any role in the closure of these schools. Having said this, government is responsible wasteful spending that could have been used for our children’s education.
We cannot continue to close schools and expect students to receive the best education possible. Over-crowding is already a major stumbling block for teachers and students alike. Closing more schools will make an impossible situation much more difficult.
Author: Brian Bell Cityclix.net Guest Writer
Protests among college campus students is on the rise. The increase in tuitions and growing concerns over budget cuts has flamed the fire. UC Davis California is one of the main battle grounds. Students are angry over a 32% increase in tuitions and say the budget cuts are hurting their education.
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